Farmington-based United Way receives national AARP grant

Mary Henbro is a volunteer driver for the Community Rides program in Rangeley. Submitted photo

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area has announced that out of thousands of applications submitted nationally, it is one of 260 grantees chosen for a 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant.

Through this grant, the chapter will be able to continue to address the challenges of rural transportation by coordinating the Community Rides Program in Rangeley. Community Rides is a volunteer driver program that provides free rides to adults older than 55. Rides are not limited to medical appointments, according to a news release from the Farmington-based chapter.

Funding also will help with an expansion of the program to the following communities: Phillips, Strong, Avon, Salem, Carrabassett Valley, Kingfield, New Vineyard, Freeman Township, Madrid, and Mt. Abram Township. Additional support from United Way will allow adults 18 to 55 to also participate.

Those interested in learning more about the Community Rides program as either a volunteer driver or rider, can call Merrie Woodworth at 207-778-5048 ext. 6.

To find out more about this quick-action grant program and other grantees, check out aarp.org/CommunityChallenge.